Pondering for Monday February 24, 2025

Morning, Psalm 106:1-18; Evening, Psalm 106:19-48

Ruth 1:1-14; 2^nd Corinthians 1:1-11; Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Of the Beatitudes I tend to gravitate toward the peacemakers.  Most of the beatitude people are passive in nature, that is, they are in a passive state of being, such as; poor in spirit, in a state of morning, meek, hungry, merciful, and have pure hearts but are persecuted.

Only the Peacemakers are initiating positive action and engaging others in the process.  They are not waiting to be victims although trouble may come to them. They are actively involved in making relationships better. They are putting themselves in the throes of trouble for the purpose of bringing the kingdom of heaven near to us.  They are doing relationship building that makes us look more like the God in Whose Image we are created; our God who is in relationship with God’s self and us.

To be a Peacemaker one must get out and be involved in the action of helping to resolve conflict and problems.  It can be frustrating work.  People fight about anything; race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, money, jealousy, politics, religion and a host of other minor issues.  And, they are all minor issues.

There is a lot of work to be done for peacemakers.  As peacemakers are called the children of God, this child’s work is never done.

Today we remember St. Matthias, the replacement for Judas the apostle as reported in the Acts of the Apostles.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray: (For Peace BCP p. 815)

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen.